CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS TO OPERATE LIFEBOATS AND RAFTS
PUBLIC CONCERNED
This training is intended for any crew member whose duties may require them to take charge of a lifeboat or liferaft. It is mandatory for seafarers designated on the ship’s muster list to be in charge of, or to command, survival craft.
REQUIREMENT
- Hold a seafarer’s medical certificate stating the seaworthiness of less than 12 months.
- Le CAEERS est délivré sous réserve d’avoir suivi avec succès la formation prévue par l’arrêté du 26 juillet 2016 et d’avoir accompli un service en mer d’une durée de six mois au moins.
OBJECTIFS
Upon completion of the training, the trainee will be able to:
I- Take charge of a survival craft, life raft, or rescue boat during and after its launch;
II- Operate the engine of a survival craft;
III- Supervise survivors and manage survival craft and life rafts following the abandonment of a ship;
IV- Use locating equipment, including communication and signaling devices as well as pyrotechnic distress signals;
V- Provide first aid to survivors.
These competencies are defined by the STCW Convention (Section A-VI/2 – Table A-VI/2-1) and by the decree of July 26, 2013.
DURATION
5 days (34 hours)
NUMBER OF TRAINEES
Minimum 8 / Maximum 16
37 interns in 2023
5 sessions with 7 trainees on average per session in 2023
REFERENCE
– STCW 2010 Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2.1
– Order of 26 July 2013 relating to the issuance of the certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats.
PROGRAM
Morning – Theory (08:30/12:00)
Monday
– Internship Presentation
– Safety instructions
– Introduction to Safety and Survival
– Rescue equipment
– Pyrotechnics
Tuesday
– Lifeboats
– Description, launching system
– Hook release system
– Ship Egress: Launching
– Moving away, gathering
– Launching in bad weather
– Grounding on shore.
Wednesday
– Life rafts: description
– Launching;
– Passenger Vessel Rapid Egress Systems
– Helicopter Rescue
– Survival measures in a rescue craft.
Thursday
– Rescue Boats: description, launching
– Particularity of passenger vessels
– Portable radio equipment.
Friday
– Theoretical Assessment
– Practical assessment
– Delivery of Certificates
– Conclusion.
Practice – Afternoon (1:30/5:30)
Monday
– Free Fall Boat
“Launches.”
Tuesday
– Davit Boat
“Launches.”
Wednesday
– Liferaft under davit
– Launching, boarding.
Thursday
– Rapid Egress System
“Rescue boat.”
TRAINING LOCATION
CESAME (31 Terre-Plein des Servannais, 35400 Saint-Malo)
SUPERVISION
– ENSM (French Maritime Academy) professors.
– Technical instructors in maritime education.
– Specialized instructors in maritime safety and survival.
END OF INTERNSHIP TEST
Yes.
Assessment is conducted throughout the training via practical exercises, concluding with a final theoretical evaluation.
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to:
– apply ship abandonment procedures;
– take command of a lifeboat or liferaft;
– use survival and signaling equipment;
– communicate effectively with survivors and rescue personnel;
– ensure the safety of individuals in accordance with the STCW standards.
STCW ATTESTATION
Yes.
Internship certificates are issued in digital format and can be accessed directly via your seafarer portal once the successful completion of the training has been validated.
These certificates are valid for 12 months—a period that allows you to renew your professional certificates with the Maritime Affairs authorities by using the appropriate CERFA form.
LEGAL NAME OF CERTIFIER & DATE
SECRETARIAT OF STATE TO THE PRIME MINISTER IN CHARGE OF MARITIME AFFAIRS / Ministry in charge of Maritime Affairs, since 01/01/2022.
SATISFACTION SURVEY
When asked about their training at the ENSM, the trainees expressed 99,29% satisfaction (2025)
CERTIFICATION RATE
The certification rate for this internship is 99.11%
TARIFF
990 €
FUNDING
Funding options available through France Travail and the CPF
RS CODE
RS5860
CONTACT
For any questions, you may contact the school at:
cemafor@supmaritime.fr
Or by phone at 06.59.80.50.08.